HC seeks UP govt's response on plea against land acquisition

The Allahabad High Court on Tuesday sought the response of UP government and the Centre on a writ petition seeking direction for quashing a notification for land acquisition in Chattrapati Shahuji Maharaj Nagar for district headquarters.

The Allahabad High Court on Tuesday sought the response of UP government and the Centre on a writ petition seeking direction for quashing a notification for land acquisition in Chattrapati Shahuji Maharaj Nagar for district headquarters.

While passing the order, the Lucknow bench of the high court comprising justices Pradeep Kant and Ritu Raj Awasthi directed the state government and the Centre to file a counter affidavit within three weeks.

The notices were accepted by additional solicitor general and chief standing counsel for the Centre and the state respectively.

Through the writ petition, 76 farmers of four villages in CSM Nagar district sought direction for quashing a notification issued by the state government on May 9 this year for acquisition of 36 hectare land for district headquarters.

The land acquisition is being done for offices and residential complexes in the newly created district.

The petitioners have also raised question on the Land Acquisition Act 1894.

The court in its order said, "In the meantime since no (final) declaration under section 6 has been made there is no question of taking possession unless such a declaration is made."

On the vires of the Land Acquisition Act, the bench said that it would be considered after the counter affidavit is filed.